Democracy May Be Delayed but Never Defeated

Biden Inauguration Highlights... Black Female College Student Amanda Gorman's Poem
'Golden Dove-Shaped Brooch' Lady Gaga Sings US National Anthem
Scale Reduced Compared to Past Inaugurations... 1,000 Key Figures Attend

Amanda Gomin is reciting a congratulatory poem at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony held on the 20th (local time) in Washington DC, USA. [Image source=UPI·Yonhap]

[Asia Economy reporters Byunghee Park and Hyunui Cho] The inauguration of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, was modest, but the message it conveyed was clear and powerful.

The inauguration had to be a celebration without being a festival. The day before, news broke that the number of deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. had surpassed 400,000. It was a setback for those preparing the inauguration, as they had to keep spirits subdued. Conversely, there was a need to deliver an even stronger message of hope.

Therefore, the highlight of President Biden’s inauguration ceremony held on the 20th (local time) in Washington DC was the inaugural poem by 22-year-old Black college student Amanda Gorman. The poem was titled “The Hill We Climb.” Gorman sang of unity and integration, urging everyone to climb together despite hardships. It resonated strongly with Biden’s inaugural address calling for an end to division and confrontation.

Through her poem, Gorman spoke of hope, saying this land is a place where ancestors were slaves and a thin Black girl raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president. The poem also contained indirect criticism of former President Donald Trump. Gorman emphasized in her poem, “We have seen the forces that destroy our country rather than unite us. And those forces nearly succeeded. But democracy, though sometimes delayed, can never be permanently defeated.”

Gorman said she wrote the poem on January 6, the day Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, and wanted to convey a message of unity and integration. Michelle Obama praised Gorman’s poem, saying it “reminded us all through powerful and heartfelt words that we have the strength to protect democracy.”

Lady Gaga is singing the United States national anthem at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony held in Washington DC, USA, on the 20th (local time). [Image source= EPA·Yonhap]

Another important event of the inauguration was the singing of the U.S. national anthem by Lady Gaga, an icon of contemporary American pop culture. Lady Gaga’s outfit carried a strong message that matched the atmosphere of the event.

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Lady Gaga wore a voluminous red skirt paired with a plain black top. To draw attention to the otherwise simple black top, she wore a large golden dove-shaped brooch holding an olive branch in its beak. The dove brooch itself was a message of peace and reconciliation. Lady Gaga’s sense in conveying President Biden’s message of opening an era of unity through her outfit stood out.

The appearance of popular American country singer Garth Brooks was also impressive. Brooks is a Republican. His presence itself symbolized unity. Brooks moved the audience by singing the hymn “Amazing Grace.” “Amazing Grace” is a well-known song beloved by Americans. It became even more famous when then-President Barack Obama led it during a memorial speech at a Black church shooting memorial in June 2015.

Pop star Jennifer Lopez appeared wearing a white Chanel outfit and sang “Beautiful America” and “This Land Is Your Land.” Lopez is of Latin descent. All the stars who performed on the celebration stage symbolized unity and integration. During her performance, Lopez also shouted in Spanish, “Justice for all!”

President Biden’s inauguration was held under strict security due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19 and the possibility of further violence following the January 6 Capitol riot by supporters of former President Trump. The scale was significantly reduced compared to past inaugurations. The crowds that used to fill Washington DC’s parks and streets during previous inaugurations were nowhere to be seen. The thunderous applause and cheers were also absent.

However, former presidents including Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton attended the inauguration, transcending party lines and adding prestige to the event. Including these former presidents and key congressional figures, about 1,000 people watched the inauguration on site.